Final answer:
Redness around the incision line is a key sign that indicates a wound infection 3 days postoperative following a hemicolectomy. Prompt recognition and treatment of the infection are crucial to prevent further complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse examining a wound of a woman who is 3 days postoperative following a hemicolectomy should look for signs of infection including increased redness, warmth, swelling, and the presence of purulent drainage (pus). Common signs that indicate a wound infection after surgery such as a hemicolectomy include:
- Crusting along the incision
- Redness around the incision line
- Serious wound drainage
- Purulent drainage, which is already established from clinical cases as a clear indicator of infection
In this scenario, redness around the incision line would be the sign most suggestive of a wound infection. It is essential to correctly identify and treat infections promptly to avoid complications such as spreading of the bacteria or sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition.